Buoy 10 is a world-class salmon fishing area that attracts anglers from around the globe. Thousands of salmon staging off the mouth of the Columbia River fatten up here in summer to continue their journey to their home spawning grounds. During peak runs it’s not uncommon for the coho and chinook returns at buoy 10 to number over a million fish.

As a result, this region can be an overwhelming experience for first-time anglers. Throw in fog, rain, shipping lanes, and hundreds of boats trolling fresh or frozen herring or anchovies, plugs or spinners and the Buoy 10 area can be a bit intimidating to the uninitiated.

Despite the challenges, anglers can enjoy great success at this famous fishery by following a few simple tips. The first is to pay attention to the tidal influence. It’s not uncommon for anglers to spend time chasing bite reports and essentially driving themselves out of their fishing zone. This type of behavior wastes energy and results in less time spent fishing and more time spent on a boat or driving to different spots.

Another tip is to know your gear. While the salmon at Buoy 10 will accept a variety of lures, some will respond better to one than others. A good rule of thumb is to stick with a bait that seems to be working and then vary the color or type until it stops producing. Eventually you’ll find the right combination of lures and colors to produce at Buoy 10.

Finally, it’s important to understand that this is a salmon run that’s subject to boom and bust cycles. Some years both coho and chinook are outstanding while other times only one species is in tremendous supply. If you’re new to Buoy 10, it’s usually a good idea to hire a Buoy 10 fishing guide. They can provide expert instruction on the equipment, safety, and techniques to be successful at this challenging yet rewarding fishery.

The Salmon Season at Buoy 10 opens on August 1 and closes on August 24. This is the first place in the Columbia River to hook chinook and coho salmon heading into the estuary. Anglers typically target chinook in depths of 25 to 30 feet, while the coho can be found deeper in shipping channels as they make their way toward Astoria. Using the current to your advantage is critical at Buoy 10 and anglers are often rewarded for keeping their lines moving. Especially on the flood tide when colder ocean water mixes with warmer Columbia River water.